Memory Block Read Voltage Adjustment for Current Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Non-volatile memory apparatuses face challenges in efficiently programming and reading data, leading to increased current draw, which affects battery life in mobile devices, especially when memory blocks are not fully programmed, resulting in higher peak and average current consumption.
Innovation Solution
A memory apparatus and method that determine whether memory cells are all programmed, identifying a boundary word line to split word lines into programmed and unprogrammed sets, and apply a delta-adjusted read voltage to unprogrammed word lines, reducing current draw by optimizing read operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If memory cells are read using default read pass voltage in open block condition, then read operation can be performed, but peak and average current draw increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting the read pass voltage based on the programming state of memory blocks. When an open block condition is detected (block not fully programmed), the read pass voltage is reduced by a delta voltage amount. This dynamic parameter adjustment reduces current draw while maintaining reliable read operations by adapting the voltage level to the actual block state.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the read pass voltage adaptive rather than static. The control circuit dynamically determines whether each block is in open or closed condition and adjusts the read pass voltage accordingly. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize current consumption based on real-time block programming status while ensuring read reliability.
2Use of energy by moving object
If delta adjusted read voltage is applied to reduce current draw, then energy consumption decreases, but read voltage precision must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent carefully controls the parameter change by applying a specific delta voltage adjustment only when open block condition is detected. The delta voltage is subtracted from the default read pass voltage to reduce energy consumption, while the control circuit ensures the adjusted voltage remains within acceptable ranges to maintain read precision and data integrity.
Data Source
AI summary
A memory apparatus and method of operation is provided. The apparatus includes a block of memory cells arranged in strings and connected to word lines overlying one another in a stack. The apparatus includes a control circuit configured to determine whether the memory cells of the block are all programmed. The control circuit determines a boundary word line splitting the word lines into first and second word line sets connected to the memory cells that are respectively programmed and not programmed in response to determining the memory cells of the block are not all programmed. The control circuit applies a delta adjusted read voltage being a default read pass voltage minus a delta voltage to a subset of the second word line set separated from the boundary word line in the stack by at least an offset number of the word lines while reading a first group of memory cells.